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Praemium Imperiale 2026

Japan Art Association · Tokyo, Japan

Annual global arts prize of the Japan Art Association in painting, sculpture, architecture, music and theatre/film. Laureates recommended by international advisors; each receives JPY 15 million. No open entry.

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Who can enter

Location
Open worldwide
Age
No age limit
Career stage
Established
Mediums
Painting, Sculpture
Also
Nomination only; no open entry. Lifetime achievement award.

About

The Praemium Imperiale, established in 1988 by the Japan Art Association, honours lifetime achievement in five disciplines: painting, sculpture, architecture, music and theatre/film.

Laureates are recommended annually by international advisors and decided by the Association's committee; there is no application or open entry. The 37th laureates, announced 8 September 2026, are Jenny Holzer, Andy Goldsworthy, Daniel Libeskind, Herbert Blomstedt and Cate Blanchett.

Each laureate receives an honorarium of JPY 15 million, a medal and a testimonial letter at a ceremony in Tokyo (Meiji Kinenkan, 28 October 2026).

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